Everton’s search for more punch in attack appears to have taken them back across the Channel, with TEAMtalk reporting that Rennes striker Esteban Lepaul has become a serious name in the club’s thinking ahead of January.
There is a familiar rhythm to this kind of story at Goodison Park. A forward catches fire abroad, scouts circle, rivals hover and Everton supporters dare to believe that, this time, the club might move quickly and decisively. Lepaul’s rise gives this latest link genuine intrigue. At 26, he is no raw project. He is a player who has climbed the hard way and now looks ready for a bigger stage.
Esteban Lepaul rise gathers pace
Lepaul’s journey has a grit to it that should appeal to Evertonians. He came through Lyon’s academy, drifted away from the elite level, then rebuilt his career step by step through the French system. From fifth-tier football in 2022 to a France call-up under Zinedine Zidane, it is a climb that speaks of resilience, hunger and a serious level of self-belief.
His numbers have given Premier League clubs plenty to think about. After scoring 10 goals for Angers, he earned a move to Rennes in 2025 and exploded there with 20 goals in his first season. He has followed that with three goals in his first five matches of the new campaign, underlining that his breakout was no passing streak.
Everton leading Premier League interest
According to the report, Everton checked on Lepaul during the summer along with Leeds United and Aston Villa, while Brentford and Brighton have also monitored him. What will catch the eye on Merseyside is that Everton are said to be the strongest suitor at this stage.
That matters. It suggests the admiration is more than casual and that Everton’s recruitment team may see a profile that fits what David Moyes wants from his front line, mobility, conviction in the box and a player arriving with confidence rather than searching for it.
Photo: IMAGO
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